How exercise lowers the risk for type II DM:

So you know the benefits.... But how can you implement exercise into your daily lifestyle?

Start with some basic lifestyle adjustments:

These changes require motivation and commitment! But YOU CAN DO IT!

"You can't spell Challenge without CHANGE.If you're going to rise to the challenge you have to be prepared to change" -unknown﻿

Following the "Fitness Pyramid"As you can see, the pyramid to the right diagrams basic lifestyle changes that can be made to increase energy expenditure throughout daily living. The top of the pyramid shows activities that should be kept to a minimum: Watching TV, playing video games, sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time. Everyday lifestyle changes are represented at the base of the pyramid such as:

Take the stairs instead of an elevator

Park in the back of the parking lot to increase the amount of steps you take per day

During Exercise:- Work out with a partner! - Drink plenty of water- Be aware of any signs of complications associated with your diabetes

Post Exercise:- Check Blood Glucose Levels:

Have a post workout snack if below 100mg/dL

- Check feet for blisters, cuts, hot-spots, and bruises

Risks Associated with Exercise in Individuals with Diabetes

-Cardiovascular risks, metabolic risks, musculoskeletal and traumatic risks, microvascular risks-It is important that you are cleared by your doctor to exercise to reduce the risk of injury and complications

"[Even though there is a risk] the risk-to-benefit ration of exercise is highly favorable for most patients with diabetes" (Regensteiner 192).